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The common consensus is that owning pets affects human health positively. However, the effects of owning pets on mental health are still controversial. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the possible associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and owning cats and dogs in Türkiye. Additionally, the potential impact of personality traits on this relationship was examined. This study included 636 participants, of whom 52% were female (Mage = 33.02, SD = 15.78). Data was obtained by using a DASS-21 and the Big Five Personality Inventory. The findings revealed that owning cats and dogs was a promotive factor against depression (DE) (p < 0.01), anxiety (AN) (p < 0.001), and stress (ST) (p < 0.01) in the Turkish population. Among socio-demographic variables, marital status was found to be a risk factor for DE (p < 0.05) and AN (p < 0.05). Moreover, among the five personality traits, agreeableness (AGR) was determined to be a promotive factor in opposition to AN, DE, and ST. At the same time, openness (OPE) and neuroticism (NEU) were detected as risk factors. Results suggest that owning cats and dogs can provide benefits to human psychology. This result particularly applies to single women with a strong bond with their pets.
Sinmez et al. (Wed,) studied this question.